KENOSHA, Wis. (WSAW) – State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly is increasing access to school meals for all Wisconsin students by providing nutritious breakfasts and lunches at no cost to families. I suggested increasing it.
On Friday, Dr. Underly, who is currently in the Kenosha Unified School District, called for universal free school lunches at a press conference as part of his 2025-27 biennial budget request. Dr. Underly’s universal free school lunch proposal, totaling approximately $294 million, would expand access to nutritious school meals to all Wisconsin students as the number of students experiencing food insecurity continues to grow. It is something.
Based on data from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, one in four Wisconsin high school students reported feeling hungry because there was no food at home.
“Access to food is one of the most basic human needs, but many children in Wisconsin say they don’t know when or if they will be able to eat their next meal,” says Ander. Dr. Lee said. “By providing all children with proper nutrition, we are developing the leaders of tomorrow. It ensures free access to nutrition.”
Under this proposal, the Department of Public Instruction would create a new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to offset the cost of meals (both breakfast and lunch) that students and families receive while in school. In addition to the universal free meals proposal, Dr. Underly’s 2025-27 biennial budget request would:
Funds the School Breakfast Program at a reimbursement rate of $0.15 per meal and expands participation to boarding schools, including independent charter schools, state boarding schools, and boarding schools ($6.1 million over two years). For school districts to purchase directly from local farmers and producers and incorporate fresh, high-quality, locally sourced foods into school lunch and snack programs ($10 million over two years). Fully fund the School Day Milk Program so more Wisconsin students have access to milk. While in school ($458,900 for 2 years). Creates a new grant program ($150,000 over two years) that will allow schools to purchase equipment to convert into milk coolers and bulk milk dispensers.
These nutrition provisions total additional investments in child nutrition of $311 million. DPI’s budget request, to be fully announced in November, proposes major additional investments in K-12 public education. Earlier this week, Dr. Underly proposed more than $304 million to support the mental health of Wisconsin’s youth, with more information expected to be released in the coming weeks.
For more information about school nutrition, visit the DPI website.
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